Veridian III

Lore & Background

The Veridian system became the focus of Dr. Tolian Soran's plan to return to the Nexus. Soran destroyed the Veridian star by launching a probe that caused it to implode, altering the energy ribbon's course so it would reach Veridian III. The resulting shockwave destroyed the planetary system. The Enterprise-D, after sustaining critical damage from an attack by the Duras sisters' Klingon Bird of Prey, suffered a warp-core breach. Commander William Riker evacuated the crew to the forward saucer section, which separated from the engineering section and crashed onto Veridian III's surface.

In Their Own Story

On Veridian III, Picard failed to stop Soran from launching another probe. The Veridian star's destruction altered the ribbon's course, and Picard and Soran entered the Nexus before the shockwave destroyed Veridian III. Inside the Nexus, Picard met an echo of Guinan, who sent him to meet James T. Kirk. Picard convinced Kirk to return with him to Veridian III, shortly before Soran launched the probe. Working together, Kirk and Picard distracted Soran long enough for Picard to lock the probe in place; it exploded on the launchpad and killed Soran. Kirk was fatally injured in the effort, and Picard buried him at the site.

Reader's Guide

Veridian III is the planet where the climax of the 1994 film Star Trek Generations takes place. The planet's star was destroyed by Soran's probe, causing a shockwave that destroyed the planetary system. The Enterprise-D saucer section crashed on Veridian III after the warp-core breach. Three Federation starships arrived to retrieve the Enterprise survivors. Picard mused that the Enterprise-D would not be the last vessel to carry the name.

Did You Know?

• The Veridian star was destroyed by a probe launched by Dr. Tolian Soran, causing an implosion that created a shockwave.
• The USS Enterprise-D crashed onto Veridian III after its warp-core breach, with the saucer section separating from the engineering section.
• James T. Kirk was fatally injured on Veridian III while helping Picard stop Soran, and Picard buried him at the site.
• Three Federation starships arrived to retrieve the Enterprise survivors from Veridian III.
• The planet's destruction was part of Soran's plan to alter the energy ribbon's path so he could enter the Nexus.